Ronald I. Bell

Born on March 22, 1946 in Centre, Juniata County, he is a son of the late Raymond S. “Pat” Bell and Sara (Carruthers) Bell Salazar.

On Oct. 24, 1970, he married his surviving wife, Melissa E. (Green) Bell with whom he was blessed to share over 54 years of marriage before his passing.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Ronald “Andy” Bell and wife, Heidi R., of Lewisberry, Rachael Stroup and husband, Keith, of Mifflinburg, Chris Bell and wife, Heidi L., of Stewartstown, and Mary Lehane and husband, Eoin, of McAlisterville; 12 grandchildren, Megan Bell, Emma Bell, Rylie Bell, Ty Stroup, Ashley Stroup, Hayley Bell, Jayden Bell, Amora Bell, Caleb Lehane, Hannah Lehane, Aislinn Lehane, and Sophia Lehane; siblings, twin brother, Donald Bell and wife, Marilyn, of McAlisterville, George Bell and wife, Renee, of Mifflintown, James Bell and wife, Mary Louise, of Port Royal, and Sherry Snyder and companion, Lukas, of Millerstown; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, William “Billy” Bell and Sara Louise Bell; his father and mother in law, Harold Green and Beryl Smith; step father in law, Earl Smith; and niece, Randi Green Moradel.

Ron was a 1964 graduate of Juniata Joint High School in Mifflintown and honorably served our country in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard from Oct. 1965 to Oct. 1971 where he achieved the rank of SP5 and was awarded the Sharpshooter Badge and the General Thomas J. Stewart Medal.

Mr. Bell was employed and retired with over 53 years of service with John H. Sheaffer, Inc. in Mexico where he retired as the Parts and Service Manager. Alongside his wife, he was also the owner and operator of Bell’s JOY Shop in Mifflintown where they served as a Christian Bookstore that served Juniata and Perry Counties. In his retirement, he also enjoyed working with his brother at Marilyn’s Pool Supplies in Mifflintown.

He currently was a member and attended the First Baptist Church of Juniata County and, in earlier life, served as a Sunday School Teacher, Youth Leader, Deacon, and along with his wife, helped with the Follow up Committee with the Billy Graham Crusades when they were held at East Juniata High School.

Ron enjoyed NASCAR, hunting, and looked forward to every Christmas season when he had the opportunity to share his elaborate Christmas Light Display; however, his greatest passion and joy was ministering to others, sharing his testimony and sharing the gospel with everyone and will be remembered as a true family man who cherished and loved to spend time with his family.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 11, 2025 at the First Baptist Church of Juniata County, 23964 Route 35 North, Mifflintown with Pastor Sean McGill officiating. Interment will follow in the Adams Cemetery, Mifflintown where full military burial honors will be accorded by the Juniata County Veterans Council.

A viewing will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral services at 11 a.m,. on Friday at the Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Mr. Bell’s memory to the First Baptist Church of Juniata County’s Building Fund, 23964 Route 35 North, Mifflintown, PA 17059 or to Hospice of Central PA, 1320 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg, PA 17110.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Brown Funeral Homes, Inc., 111 Westfall St., McAlisterville.

Online condolences and tributes can be shared with the family at www.brownfuneralhomesinc.com.